Bloodhound
A gentle, affectionate companion with an unmatched sense of smell and determination. Loves adventure and thrives in active families who appreciate a loyal, sensitive dog.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
63–69 cm (male)
58–63 cm (female)
WEIGHT
41–50 kg (male)
36–45 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
10–12 years
Bloodhound: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Bloodhound isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Bloodhound's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
Bloodhounds are gentle, affectionate, and patient dogs known for their friendly disposition and strong sense of independence. They are typically good with children and other animals.
Key Personality Traits
Gentle and sociable with people and dogs
Independent thinker, not always eager to please
Needs regular activity and outdoor exploration
Enjoys games but not highly boisterous
Struggles with change and new environments
Strengths
- Exceptional tracking ability
- Gentle and patient with children
- Highly intelligent scent hound
- Generally friendly with other dogs
- Loyal and devoted to family
Challenges
- Prone to stubbornness during training
- Requires extensive daily exercise
- Can be difficult to manage off-leash
- Tends to drool excessively
- Prone to ear infections due to long ears
Protect your Bloodhound
Bloodhound are active and energetic, but they can develop hip dysplasia and ear infections. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Bloodhounds are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
Bloodhounds are intelligent and possess an exceptional sense of smell, but their strong tracking instinct can make them stubborn and distractible, requiring patient and consistent training methods.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
Bloodhounds need substantial daily exercise, including long walks and opportunities to track scents. Mental stimulation is important, as they thrive on scent games and activities that engage their natural abilities.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Bloodhounds are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Bloodhound would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Bloodhounds can be stubborn and require patient, consistent training from experienced handlers.
Apartment Living
They are large, vocal, and need space, making small apartments challenging.
Active Lifestyle
Their stamina and curiosity suit active owners who enjoy long walks or hikes.
Kids
They are usually patient but can accidentally knock over small children due to size.
Multiple Pets
Bloodhounds tend to get along with other pets if socialized early.
Being Left Alone
They dislike being alone for long periods and may develop separation anxiety.
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Bloodhounds compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bloodhound
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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